UK: AREG’s Members Tackle Renewable Energy Challenges

Domestic and international business opportunities and cutting-edge technologies are among the subjects to be discussed when Aberdeen City and Shire’s leading renewable energy industry body hosts a business seminar in Aberdeen on Wednesday (September 26).

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group will bring together industry representatives at their members meeting to be held in the Town and County Room in Aberdeen City Council’s Town House.

 AREG’s chief operating officer, Morag McCorkindale, said: “AREG and its members work proactively to maximise new opportunities being created in renewable energy and to overcome the challenges faced by the industry.

 “As a region, the north-east of Scotland is driving forward breakthroughs in the renewable energy sector which are vital to Scottish, UK and European efforts to build a sustainable, low carbon economy in a globally competitive market.”

She added: “AREG’s member events provide a platform for them to interact, collaborate and share their expertise and know-how. Collaboration between organisations is essential to drive development, ensuring that Aberdeen City and Shire continues to be recognised as a global-leading energy hub.”

Charlie Cameron, training manager, AquaTerra Solutions, will outline the latest developments in practical health and safety training when working on renewable energy installations.

 “As the offshore renewables industry continues to grow, it is important that we ensure practical health and safety training is available in order to minimise risk, particularly when working at height and in confined spaces.

 “We create tailored training packages to provide all personnel with a safe environment in which to work, protecting assets, people and business continuity,” said Mr Cameron.

He added: “AREG’s seminars are beneficial as they provide members an opportunity to share information, best practice and encourage a collaborative approach as well as giving a greater insight into what is actually happening in the renewables sector.”

 Ian Williams, chairman and partner, Campbell Dallas LLP, will discuss several projects the company has on the horizon, based in the UK and overseas, with owners and developers in wind and hydro.

He said: “Our specialist team are currently advising on a range of UK and international hydro and wind based projects. We are also in the early stages of talking to a prospect about the construction of an anaerobic digester in the central belt of Scotland.

“In June, a presentation to EU lawyers in Barcelona on UK expertise and capacity at a conference aimed at promoting renewable energy in the EU was well received and showcased what we can offer the industry globally.”

Other speakers include Willie Dawson, operations manager, Dawson Energy who will give an overview of 3Sun Group, their history and what projects they are currently involved in; Richard Cooke, head of business development – renewables, Petrofac, will be sharing the company’s experiences and ambition for the offshore wind market; and Chris Napier, general manager – marine renewables, J+S Ltd, will discuss the latest engineering solutions in the renewable sector.

The five company representatives will then take part in a Q&A session with AREG chairman, Jeremy Cresswell, during which members will be given the opportunity to discuss recent developments in the industry and the role that north-east Scotland can play in strengthening the UK’s renewables sector.

The pioneering private-public partnership, which has positioned Aberdeen City and Shire at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, has over 170 members spanning the full spectrum of renewable energy expertise including onshore and offshore wind, marine and hydro, bio, solar, geothermal energy and hydrogen and fuel cells.

Among the company’s new members are Atkins, Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace, AD Heating Ltd, Aggreko, Augmentias, Canyon Offshore Limited and The Stewart Group.

 Ms McCorkindale said: “These new members further strengthen AREG’s membership portfolio with capabilities ranging from legal and financial expertise, offshore support vessels, offshore infrastructure engineering, design and implementation, and project management and consultancy.

“Between them, they epitomise some key strengths of Aberdeen City and Shire businesses through their innovation, cost effective solutions and practical offshore experience in renewables projects.”

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Press release, September 25, 2012; Image: bigpartnership